Newcastle's billionaire owner Mike Ashley has put a #225million price tag on the club as predators continue to circle St James' Park.

The Sunday Mirror has learned that the retail sportswear magnate, who paid #133m for the Magpies two months ago, is ready to listen to offers in excess of #200m. The reclusive Ashley has insisted through his spokesmen that he isn't looking for a quick sale, despite being linked with interest from consortiums in both China and Iceland, while there are also suggestions of a possible American bid.

But privately Newcastle sources admit Ashley could be tempted by a quick profit.

City analysts believe the #30m he ploughed in this month to re-finance the club's #80m debt is aimed at making the business more attractive to investors.

And the fact that manager Sam Allardyce's net spending in the transfer market this summer is less than #8m has heightened speculation.

A Newcastle insider said: "Mike Ashley is a trader. He will sell if he gets a decent offer. Ashley managed to get the club at a reasonably cheap price and he knows he got a bargain.